Joshua Merchant. I am a wife and mother of two amazing daughters and work within my community on various endeavors to ensure local government works for everyone and that those who are often overlooked have a voice. The first priority issue would be to stop the irresponsible spending. Rob has learned to maximize funding with limited and fluctuating budgets. I believe the marketplace, not politicians and bureaucrats, should determine which jobs are essential and which are not. Entrepreneurs and small businesses are the backbone of the American economy and especially our local economy here in Oakland County as they drive employment, pay taxes, increase GDP, and are valued members in any community. The supervisors explained their decision by saying that the all-volunteer, nine-person board failed to hold the hospital system's executive leaders accountable for serious mistakes and mismanagement, including decisions that led to a five-day strike by health care workers earlier this month. The position has a six year term. Climate change related issues. I support the entire county and will continue to work with communities outside of my district as I represent the entire county. What are the top three priority issues that Oakland County faces and what actions would you, as commissioner, take regarding each of them? The need for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) leadership is to examine the conditions of the work environment and actively work to remove barriers that hinder residents and employees in the county. I did not take the decision to run for county commissioner lightly, nor the decision of running against an incumbent of my party, but after much thought and encouragement, I committed to running for this office. He was disqualified from the Independence Party primary scheduled on June 23, 2020. Member Milford, Highland, Wixom & South Lyon Historical Societies, Highland White Lake Business Owners Assoc. I believe in regional cooperation among municipalities and counties, because our problems are often the same and overlap across jurisdictions. Oakland County, Michigan / Board of Commissioners. Transit must include all communities. Why are you running for the Board of Commissioners? Expanding parks and providing access to more residents through investments in Normandy Oaks, Catalpa Oaks and Independence Oaks. Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: I have been married to my wife, Michelle, for 22 years and we have two daughters and a dog. Candidates for two, six-year terms ? Over the years I have also been a substitute teacher, a certified state transporter, a youth art instructor at inner city outreach programs, and a Meals on Wheels driver. I am running for county commission to represent my hometown with a new generation of progressive, pragmatic politics that puts people first. If you have any questions, contact the Oakland County Board of Elections at . City Councilman Robert Smiley is running to be the next county commissioner in the new 14th District, serving portions of Commerce and Novi, as well as all of Walled Lake and Wixom. My background and professional training is in diplomacy and national security, and I have previously worked for the U.S. State Department in Madrid and for Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin. Or contact Nicole Christian, Senior Executive Assistant to the Board: Phone: 248.209.2123 Fax: 248.209.2206 Email Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: I have a diverse background so I can relate to others. Candidates for two, six-year terms Abraham, 46, is a certified public accountant and resident of Royal Oak. Supported and promoted our Native Plant Initiative to provide education about cultivating native plants and the effect on the environment. Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack for MI Supreme Court. I have been a commissioner 10-plus years and truly enjoy public service, giving back to the community and I want to keep Oakland County one of the best places to live, work, play and prosper. Current job: Retiree, active Michigan artist LLC. CONTACT THE OCRP. I began my service to the community in 2003 as a police officer. I taught for a long time at Oakland County Community College in the mathematics department where I enjoyed working with people from different backgrounds. District 13 is made up of suburban and rural areas. . He's also president of the California Association of Black School Educators and he previously was a member of the Alameda County Public Health Commission.. Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: I am a fourth-generation lifelong resident of Oakland Countys District 4, which serves the communities of Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills. County government needs to return to serving the people of the county, not bullying them or making them dependent. It is time to start investing in public education again. Like many in my community, I am frustrated and disappointed with how our commissioners choose to ignore the will of the people and do little communicating with their constituents or guard the finances of our county. Why are you running for the Board of Commissioners? Current job: Designer/Illustrator and Wixom City Councilman, Education: College for Creative Studies (formerly Center for Creative Studies) Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, 1992 Graphic Communications. Gov. Oxford residents Justine Willcock (Dem) and Michael Spisz (incumbent, Rep) will run against each other to represent residents as the Oakland County Commissioner for the 5 th District. I have a history of woking on bipartisan programs to increase gun safety awareness. This program will embed education navigators in our local secondary intuitions to assist residents to attain post secondary or certification. I believe that county government is where I can affect the most change in my community. Voters will . Working with the Executive branch, our current budget is structurally balanced, and includes a 25% Rainy Day Fund and a 5% Emergency Fund. Secretary-Kiwanis; 2016 & 2005 Chamber Citizen of the Year, Finance Council-St. Joseph Catholic Church, Deputy Grand Knight K of C Council 7586 & Past Secretary K of C Assembly 3099 Milford-monthly Flag replacement on Veterans Graves; Member-Lyon (Twp.) I am a fiscal conservative and will always work to find ways to save the county and our taxpayers money. Donovan is a former 2014 Republican candidate for District 63 of the New York . A meeting of the Finance Committee will be held on Wednesday, February 22 at 11 a.m. For information on how to watch meetings or participate in public comment, please click here . Family is what ultimately fuels Robs passion to maintain and improve his community. Commissioners have allocated significant resources for mental health resources to students and their parents and all community members. Oakland Community College is governed by a seven-person board of trustees. Our campaign is focused on expanding racial, social, economic and environmental justice. What are the top three priority issues that Oakland County faces and what actions would you, as commissioner, take regarding each of them? In 2008 I ran for the Oxford Township Board of Trustees and was elected to a four-year term and then transitioned into the county commissioner role in 2012. I am committed to ensure Oakland County is prepared for the future, by investing in our small businesses, public education, including school safety, our great colleges and universities, and protecting our beautiful parks and natural spaces. OUSD teachers and staff survived 2023-24 budget cuts for now. Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Central Michigan University. The Oakland Township Board of Trustees meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each Month at 7:00 p.m. at the Township Hall 4393 Collins Road, Rochester MI 48306. I have worked on initiatives to increase the number of childcare workers and offer more affordable housing to our community members. What are the top 3 priority issues that Oakland County faces and what actions would you, as commissioner, take regarding each of them? It is a two-year term. He has been a consistent voice for wise spending of our tax dollars and living within our means. International Relations, Michigan State University; M.S. Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: I am a retired manufacturing operations executive with experience in Aerospace and Automotive operations. They must be addressed responsibly without negatively labeling people. Rob believes local government should exist to be fiscally responsible, ensure security for its citizens while protecting their rights, and being accessible and transparent. Current job: Owner of RCS-JANITORIAL.com, a multi-state janitorial company; Realtor 20-plus years, insurance agent 30-plus years, Education: Associates Degree Oakland Community College, Insurance Degree American Institute of Insurance, Licensed Insurance Agent, Licensed Realtor. My strategy is to attract the best talent, technology and the tools necessary to create an amazing - 2021 advocated for legislation to recognize talent development needs for the aerospace industry. I am seeking re-election to continue the projects I have been working on over my last term. What are the top three priority issues that Oakland County faces and what actions would you, as commissioner, take regarding each of them? Third, focus on supporting our local law enforcement. Alexander C. Duensing For Oakland Community College Board of Trustees. The incumbent, Aimee Eng, is stepping down after 8 years. Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel. to help transition, say, an internal combustion engineer at Stellantis to the world of electric vehicles. I am a retired state youth services caseworker and have been a small business artist for 45 years. I have been a commissioner 10-plus years and truly enjoy public service, giving back to the community and I want to keep Oakland County one of the best places to live, work, play and prosper. During most of that time, Oakland County was the envy of the nation for its competent, business-like management. . Her love of radio began when she had a radio show in college when she and her roommate played '80s music in the middle of the night. City Councilman Robert Smiley is running to be the next county commissioner in the new 14th District, serving portions of Commerce and Novi, as well as all of Walled Lake and Wixom. Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: I am a social worker who has worked in policymaking, municipal finance and community organizing. Hes been active in the community for many years, providing his abilities as a designer, football coach, and councilman. I will seek to improve the delivery and availability of these community based services. Current job: Oakland County Commissioner, District 16, Clinical Supervisor, Easter Seals, Education: Masters Degree in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University. It was self-rewarding to contribute to the county I lived in. Candidate We need a fresh voice, fresh perspective, and every day people need a unifying advocate to ensure those who are struggling, despite their best efforts, have their needs boldly heard and addressed. But supporting small businesses does not end there. CHEYENNE - The Laramie County School District 1 at-large trustees race is hotly contested, as five candidates vie for one seat on the board. Current job: Chief Operating Officer FordDirect, Education: Bachelor of Science, Oakland University; Master of Business Administration, Wayne State University. Sponsored a resolution approving $1 million in emergency grant assistance for veterans, service members and eligible family members. 0. by admin in Uncategorized. The second is making sure our economy continues to thrive. I will ensure that all tax dollars particularly the countys $247 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds are spent/invested as intended, wisely and costs are contained. The Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to remove the entire AHS Board of Trustees. The current global initiatives being passed through the Oakland County Commission threaten our community with urbanization, which will kill our small businesses and our schools. These dollars were not cut to balance the budget or to provide tax relief to residents, but rather to pay for unnecessary projects. I owe it to my children, my community and my God to be faithful to this call to serve for such a time as this. I make decisions based on facts and data, not emotions. Board of Trustees. I attended Oakland University, where I earned a bachelors degree in history and then my paralegal certificate. Voters should re-elect me because I am sensitive to all issues that concern the well being of every resident and will fight for our countys recovery. 2022 Candidate Interviews and Election Information. I have been appointed to Oxford Township Planning Commission since 2014. I decided to run for Oakland County Commissioner based on the wasteful spending that is taking place by our commission, the non-transparency that is taking place with meetings behind closed doors, and work that is being delegated to agencies that are not directly accountable to the people. I am also a past recipient of Oakland Countys Elite 40 Under 40 Award. Current job: Freelance Writer, Producer, Researcher. With ensuing inflation we must maintain our multiyear balanced budget and continue to find ways to save cost within government. Bryant is a retired Executive Director of Community Relations for Birmingham Public Schools. Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less: Rob is a husband and father of three amazing boys. The Key to Winning An Election is You! Public health and safety. But many in our government have forgotten this. 1OAKLAND Superintendent Barbara Baker has announced her retirement from Garrett County Public Schools, effective July 1. There are several options to address this issue, at the individual level, at the community level, and with local developers. She has her own business consulting company, which has been put on the back burner while she focuses more on nonprofit . There are also many challengers vying for a seat on the restructured commission, several who cited the commissions vote to spend $3 million for the establishment of the U.S. Center for Advanced Manufacturing Hub for North America as a motivating factor. They replace Melissa Stolicker and W. David Tull whose terms have expired. During most of that time, Oakland County was the envy of the nation for its competent, business-like management. The OCBF is proud to partner with the Oakland County Bar Association . Kevin Jenkins. It has been 24 years since we have had a woman represent this district. Contact the Board of Trustees in writing at Wilson Hall, Room 3026, 371 Wilson Blvd., Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan 48309, by telephone at (248) 370-3112, or by email at joshuamerchant@oakland.edu. As vice chair of the commission I am committed to working across party lines to offer the best programs to all our residents. The members of the board are elected on a non-partisan, at-large basis by voters living within the college district, an area that generally coincides with the boundaries of Oakland County. I am a proud supporter of our veterans as I serve on the annual committee for our Wounded Warriors and Fallen Soldiers charity gala. We need to support economic development and our business community to maintain our tax base and demand for housing. I will ensure that all tax dollars pa. funds are spent/invested as intended, wisely and costs are contained. MIGOP Chair forum. To schedule an appointment in ADVANCE for the Board of Review, please call Oakland County Equalization toll free at 1-888-350-0900, Extension 85584 or 248-858-0776. Beside my 34-year experience in education, I also have some experience in real estate business. Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin for Congress, District 8. by admin Jan 30 2023. EMAIL OCRP 248 - 499 - 7288 FOLLOW OCRP DONATE. Why are you running for the Board of Commissioners? I find it satisfying to solve problems for constituents. After 18 years of working in public education, I currently work full time as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst working with individuals on the autism spectrum. L.E.O./Kitefest; Operation Injured Soldiers; Huron River Watershed Council; Milford Memories & War Dog Memorial. Member of County pandemic response team during initial phase of COVID -19 pandemic. As I have achieved with my city council colleagues, I am committed to collaborating with the entire Board of Commissioners on sound fiscal policies and ensuring positive results on the following priorities. My greatest accomplishment has been to work with the community and our Executive Branch and staff to implement new programs that are relevant for success in todays world. Members of the public have a right to bring recording devices (including cell phones . Why are you running again for county commission and why should voters re-elect you? Date Appointed/Reappointed: April 5, 2021. Trustee - Robin Buxar. I live in Rochester Hills, went to high school in Pontiac and got my first real job as the Public Events Coordinator at the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) in Royal Oak. I bring political relationships and experience that other candidates do not have. As a former school teacher, I am well aware of the challenges our teachers and child care educators face every day. What are the top three priority issues that Oakland County faces and what actions would you, as commissioner, take regarding each of them? I would look for ways to invest in programs that assist small business startups and further the cause of assisting businesses already in existence. Based on facts and data, not politicians and bureaucrats, should determine which jobs are essential and are! 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